Small System, No Wi-Fi: How to Automate Irrigation From Your Phone With CONNECT DC

Not every irrigation system needs a controller connected to Wi-Fi. The customer may want a solution that is easy to programme from a smartphone, without setting up a network connection where the valve box is located.

For small gardens without Wi-Fi coverage, CONNECT DC is the right solution.

It is the battery-powered RAIN controller that communicates via Bluetooth with the Rain Vision app. When the smartphone is within connection range, the programmes can be managed without working directly at the valve box.

For the installer, the first check is a practical one: does the Bluetooth signal reach the spot from which the customer would like to use the app?

If the aim is to programme irrigation from inside the house, it is worth testing this on site before presenting it as a benefit of the installation.

Does the Bluetooth signal reach the house from the valve box?

CONNECT DC uses Bluetooth 5.0 BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), a short-range wireless connection designed to use less energy than traditional Bluetooth.

The controller states an average verified range of around 15 metres under standard conditions. This value is purely indicative: walls, hedges, trees and humidity can affect the signal. Programming from the house is therefore possible if the smartphone can connect to the controller from that position. For reliable communication, the smartphone should be equipped with Bluetooth 5.0.

Is a data connection still needed without Wi-Fi?

When saving the programming in the app, it is useful to distinguish between the two connections: the smartphone communicates with CONNECT DC via Bluetooth, so Wi-Fi does not need to reach the valve box. When you select “Save and send”, however, the smartphone must have an active data connection, via Wi-Fi or mobile network.

If the data connection drops during the operation, the save will fail and the programming will need to be repeated. Before leaving the site, it is worth checking that the settings have been saved correctly.

A controller designed to simplify installation and programming

CONNECT DC is a valve box controller powered by four 1.5 V AAA alkaline batteries, not included. It has IP68 protection, pre-fitted watertight connectors, a rain sensor input and a low-battery indicator. It is available in 1, 2, 4 and 6-zone versions and controls 9 Vdc latching solenoids.

In the Vision app, you can choose between two programming modes:

• EASY is designed for balconies and small gardens: it lets you set two programmes, each with one start time.
• PRO offers six start times per programme and is also designed for technical needs such as seeding and irrigating turf rolls.

What if the installer and the customer use two smartphones?

Bluetooth communication is point-to-point: only one smartphone or tablet can be connected to the controller at a time. This is a useful detail to clarify when showing the app to the customer or returning to the system for maintenance.

If the device does not appear during pairing, first check that it is within Bluetooth range and that the controller is not already paired with another account. It can also help to update the app, clear the Bluetooth settings and restart the smartphone before trying again.

The two Connect valve box kits: 111-150 and 111-154

To build a two-zone system, two Connect EZ-Open 111 valve box kits are available, designed to speed up work on site and assembled in 4 minutes. Both include the PZRM 111 EZ-Open valve box with raised grid and a two-zone CONNECT DC controller. The difference lies in the solenoid valves included.

How to choose in the field.

The garden area to be irrigated is only an initial reference. Before quoting, check these three things:

1. Flow rate of each zone: the RN 150 reaches 90 l/min and the RN 154 150 l/min. If the most demanding zone is close to the limit of the RN 150, the RN 154 leaves more margin.
2. Pressure available at the connection point: both kits operate between 1 and 12 bar. Compare the pressure with the pressure losses given in the solenoid valve tables.
3. Space in the valve box: the PZRM 111 is 21.6 cm high, 40.0–31.9 cm deep and 31.0–22.8 cm wide. Check that pipes and fittings will fit.

Are you designing a small system and know that there is no outdoor connection? CONNECT DC and the matching valve boxes are the right solution to still ensure convenience for your customer.